Super Rugby Round 20
Greg Growden's Super Rugby Round 20 tips
Greg Growden
July 11, 2013

Friday, July 12

Crusaders v Hurricanes, Rugby League Park, Christchurch

19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST

Richie McCaw is on his way back. That's enough to stir up the Crusaders towards achieving another win. Next game.

Tip: Crusaders

Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders, AAMI Park, Melbourne

19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 19:40 EST, 19:10 CST, 17:40 WST

No surprise the Rebels got rid of their coach, Damian Hill, after the South African fiasco, and their supposed star James O'Connor has been told he's not wanted. The Rebels have been a mess for some time. The time is right for the pain to continue with the Highlanders a good chance to get it together far too late in the season.

Tip: Highlanders

Saturday, July 13

Blues v Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland

19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST

For a little while, the Blues looked world beaters. But as usual they went through their traditional season slump, and, despite having several Sirs in the coaching box, it's another year where they miss out. Home advantage gives them a chance, but the Chiefs have more to achieve.

Tip: Chiefs

New South Waratahs v Queensland Reds, Stadium Australia, Sydney

19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 19:40 EST, 19:10 CST, 17:40 WST

No, Reds coach Ewen McKenzie won't be distracted by his being appointed Wallabies boss this week. Soon after the press conference at which McKenzie was announced as coach, he headed off to Reds training. In the best game of the round, expect the Quade Cooper factor to come to the fore.

Tip: Reds

Western Force v Brumbies, Perth Oval, Perth

19:40 local, 11:40 GMT, 21:40 EST, 21:10 CST, 19:40 WST

If you think the Rebels are all over the place, where do you position the Force; they're not far behind the Melbourne side. It's no secret that coach Michael Foley lost support among players and officials after resting several for the Lions match. They are not a happy bunch. So the Brumbies by plenty.

Tip: Brumbies

Sharks v Southern Kings, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 01:05 EST +1d, 00:35 CST +1d, 23:05 WST

The Kings have made 300,000 changes for this match, but it won't make any difference. Expect a Durban dunking.

Tip: Sharks

Stormers v Bulls, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 03:10 EST +1d, 02:40 CST +1d, 01:10 WST +1d

It's that time of the year where odd South African results occur. The Bulls are favourites, but the Stormers have a knack of upsetting big teams.

Tip: Stormers

Byes: Cheetahs


Make your ESPN FootyTips selections for Super Rugby round 20

© ESPN Australia / New Zealand

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.